I'm always a bit on the skeptical side. It's part of the job description of being a journalist. And I find the world of running a bit overwhelming with all the products, gear and stuff. Haven't people been running perfectly well for centuries?
I spent a day at Fleet Feet earlier in the year being fitting for shoes. You run up and down the store and the clerk tells you what type of runner you are. I'm "neutral," meaning I run with normal pronation. I tried on a number of shoes that fit my running style but I couldn't bring myself to buy a pair - why do they have slash designs all over them? Why do they have to be white? Why do they cost so much money?
So I jammed on down to Marshall's and bought a pair of New Balance for $40. But then my left foot started hurting. After training and running the Shamrock'n half marathon this year, I figured I probably needed a new pair of shoes.
I bought another pair of New Balance for $40. But a few months into this marathon training, the foot pain came back. I started stretching my left calf better and the pain was largely alleviated. But then my foot started hurting, AGAIN. Do I need ANOTHER new pair of shoes?
They say running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles depending on your weight. But the pairs I've been getting seem to be wearing out even faster.
I decided to try the Nike outlet in Folsom. I tried on every single pair of the $40 shoes and they all seemed the same. Then the clerk brought over a pair of men's shoes, two sizes smaller than my women's size. They are horribly ugly and are the Vomero +4.
"Just try them on," he urged.
Wow. There was a noticeable difference. They are in the super-cushioned category (Controversial as some people are moving to barefoot and sock running). And I loved them, aesthetically unpleasing and all.
After running in them for a few weeks, there is not a flicker of pain. So, fine. I've drunk the juice and will pay triple digits for my shoes.
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